Sierra Madre Express 2008

Day 1, Thursday: Tucson (D)
Arrival in Tucson. Get acquainted with your fellow travelers and special Society of IRT host, Karl Zimmermann at a welcome reception followed by dinner.

Day 2, Friday: On board the train (B,L,D)
After breakfast, passengers board a motor coach for a tour of Tucson and the Santa Cruz Valley. Along the way there is a photo stop at the historic San Xavier Mission and lunch at the spectacular Rio Rico Resort. We cross the border and board the Sierra Madre Express in mid-afternoon. Passengers are welcomed aboard with a cocktail reception. A full dinner is served and the night is spent on the train.

Day 3, Saturday: Cerocahui (B, L, D)
Enjoy the magnificent vistas as we climb from sea level to 5,100 feet at Bahuichivo and then bus to the Hotel Mision in remote Cerocahui, the "Shangri-la of Mexico." (Please note that the ride can be bumpy and dusty.) Then we will take a unique tour of the neighboring boarding school for Tarahumara girls. A reception and entertainment precede our dinner.

Day 4, Sunday: Gallego Outlook (B, L, D)
After breakfast, you can choose to either spend a quiet morning in Cerocahui or take a bus tour to Gallego Outlook. The Outlook provides an unforgettable view of the remote Urique Canyon. Then we’ll join the train to Divisadero at 7,000 feet and transfer to the Posada Mirador Hotel. We’ll enjoy a reception and entertainment by the Tarahumara Indians before dinner.

Day 5, Monday: Creel (B, L, D)
Following breakfast, we’ll board the train for Creel, in the heart of Tarahumara country. A local guide will conduct a tour to Cusarare, an old Tarahumara village. Lunch will be served on the train and there will be time to shop for native handicrafts. Upon our return to the Posada Mirador Hotel, there will be a reception and dinner will be served in the dinning room.

Day 6, Tuesday: Divasadero (B, L, D)
After breakfast, the morning is free for hiking, exploring, shopping, or simply relaxing. Afternoon departure on board the train where will take in spectacular scenery, traveling west toward the coast. A farewell dinner is served in the dome car.

Day 7, Wednesday: On board the train (B,L)
The last segment aboard the Express is spent traveling north to Nogales, Sonora. Passengers enjoy daylight views of the Sonoran Desert. Breakfast and lunch are served with arrival in Nogales in the early afternoon. A motor coach will transfer guests back to the hotel in Tucson for an included overnight stay.

Thursday, Day 8: Tucson (B)
Breakfast at the hotel and departure complete the tour.

Tour Includes:
• Meals as listed in itinerary, including "get acquainted" cocktail reception
• Accommodation on train, 2 nights
• Accommodation in charming inns, 3 nights
• Accommodation in Tucson hotel, 2 nights
• Lectures and services of full-time tour leaders and IRT escort, Karl Zimmermann (Feb. 1 departure only)
• All local tours
• Liquor on the train
• Gratuities

2008 Rates (January-August)

$3,695 per person, double occupancy (two lower berths)
$3,595 per person, double occupancy (upper/lower berth)
$5,395 single use of double compartment
$2,895 single roomette (for single use only)

2008 Rates (September-December)

$3,895 per person, double occupancy (two lower berths)
$3,695 per person, double occupancy (upper/lower berth)
$5,495 single use of double compartment
$2,995 single roomette (for single use only)

Save $200 per person off above rates if booked 180 days prior to departure!

All prices per person. All compartments other than those in the Chile Verde have sinks and toilets. Compartments in the Chile Verde have sinks only and are available as single roomettes.

Other 2008 departures available:
May 4-11
May 15-22
Aug. 28-Sept. 4
Sept. 11-18
Nov. 13-20
December 27, 2008-January 3, 2009*
*Special holiday departure. Add $100 per person to above rates.

Deposit
A deposit of $500 per person is required within seven days of booking in order to confirm reservations. Credit cards are accepted for deposits. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Click here to download our tour booking form.

About the trip...
Imagine viewing jagged canyons, waterfalls and a vast variety of flora and fauna. This describes the Copper Canyon, a region in northern Mexico that only became accessible after a railroad line was completed from Los Mochis to Chihuahua in 1961. For centuries this remote region has been the home of the Tarahumara Indians, an indigenous group that has managed to maintain many of its customs and traditions.

To many, the attraction of a nostalgic trip on a vintage train is quite evident. Peter M. Robbins founded the Sierra Madre Express in 1986 with this in mind. To date he has gathered a fleet of five classic rail cars originally built in the 1940's and 1950's. Service on the Sierra Madre Express is reminiscent of rail travel of a bygone era. From offering gourmet meals to attentive room service, a trainmaster and a crew of six look after the passenger's every need. In addition, an experienced bilingual escort accompanies every tour. Many guests have commented on the attention to detail that is evident in every aspect of an excursion on the Sierra Madre Express. It is truly an extraordinary travel experience.

When traveling to the majestic Copper Canyon, guests on the Sierra Madre Express can expect the best in "soft" adventure with a feeling of security. In the Copper Canyon, passengers can experience some of the most spectacular vistas imaginable. In addition, they have the opportunity to visit a native village, purchase exquisite craft items, and stay in charming inns and hotels while they immerse themselves in the culture of the region.

About the train...
The Sierra Madre Express offers a travel experience reminiscent of the golden age of railroading. The fleet includes four sleeping cars and a domed dining and observation car. In addition, there are four other public areas. As the train travels past some of the most spectacular vistas imaginable, the traveler may choose any of these areas from which to view them.

The Arizona, a lounge car, was built in 1946. It has an indoor observation area, full bar and 5 double compartments. The Chile Verde, also built in 1946, contains eight single roomettes as well as an informal dining area. The Divisadero is a car with 9 double compartments as is its sister car, the Ing. Ballesteros. The Divisadero features an open-air deck -- a favorite place from which to watch the passing scenery. The Tucson has a comfortable lounge as well as the raised observation dome which also serves as the formal dining area.